Top Ten Tips to Get Through the Airport Checkpoint Quickly

Seems travelers love to hate the screeners at the airport. Keep in mind, the front line personnel that you see as you make your way toward the gate are just the worker bees. They’re not Congress and they’re not the big wig decision makers. If at times they seem like robots, deviating very little from their spcheel, it’s because they have procedures that they must follow and deviating from the standard operation procedure is not an option.

There are a number of things you can do yourself to speed things along. Listed below are the top ten tips to help your visit to the airport security checkpoint hassle-free.

1. Have your boarding pass and government issued photo ID readily available. Some airports have someone checking your boarding pass and ID as you first approach your concourse, then shortly thereafter there is another employee asking for the same thing. Actually they may be asking for the same thing, but these employees, often one a federal employee and one a private company employee, while looking at the same thing, aren’t looking for the same thing. Each person has a different role to fill. If you have to dig in your purse or wallet for these items, that will increase the wait time. Ensure your boarding pass is pulled out of the airline envelope.

2. Wear tennis shoes or known airport friendly footwear so you’ll avoid setting off the alarm on the walk through metal detector. Often the screeners will encourage you to take your shoes off before passing through the metal detector. What many passengers fail to recognize is that many, many shoe manufacturers place steel shanks (supports) in the souls of the shoes. Just because you don’t see metal, doesn’t mean they are metal-free.

3. Laptop computers and video cameras that use cassette tapes, not digital cameras, need to come out of their carrying case prior to passing through the x-ray machine. Have these items out of the case before you reach the table to divest your items.

4. Only undeveloped film with a speed of 800 or higher should be hand checked. All other disposable cameras, film of 100, 200 or 400 speed and digital cameras are safe to pass through the x-ray. Know your film speed before reaching the x-ray machine.

5. If you have an inkling that your belt buckle or larger metal watch may set off the metal detector, remove them while you’re waiting in line and have them ready to place into a bin.

6. Don’t wear pants or suspenders that contain a lot of metal. If you can’t remove the metal prior to passing through the metal detector, you’ll be sent for additional screening, thus increasing your wait time.

7. Most smell jewelry such as rings, necklaces and earrings will not set off the alarm. Don’t bother wasting time removing them.

8. Yes your fanny pack, hidden money belt and wallet on a string around your neck must pass through the x-ray, have it ready to place into a bin.

9. Leave all tools, Swiss army knives, pointed end scissors, and bladed corkscrews in your checked bag. You may not bring them onboard the aircraft in your carry-on bags. If your bag must be searched to find these items, it’s definitely going to increase your wait time.

10. Strollers and pet carriers need to pass through the x-ray machine. Remove your children and pets from this equipment prior to reaching the x-ray.

If you’re standing in line merely waiting for your turn to walk through, use this time to your advantage. If everyone were already ready to walk though the metal detector BEFORE it was actually their turn, the wait times would be greatly decreased.

Next time you fly, instead of grumbling about the procedures that neither you nor the front line screeners can change, try having some fun, being prepared and perhaps even thanking the screeners for doing their part of keeping the aircrafts safe.

Is it Possible to Maintain a Nutritious Diet While on Vacation?

Sticking to a nutritious diet while vacationing can be one of the most difficult things to do. After all, a vacation is for having fun and that includes eating good food! However, if you learn how to make smart choices, a nourishing diet is really not that difficult when you're away from home. This is probably not the best time in which to start a healthy diet, but if you are currently making healthy choices in your foods already, modifying your diet slightly to accommodate traveling is not as hard as it may seem.

If you are vacationing on an airplane, a wholesome diet may have to include airplane food, which may be a challenge, depending on the selection. When you book your flight, ask about your food options and ask if a vegetarian dish is available. Vegetarian dishes are sometimes more nutritional in this case, but it really depends on what they will be serving. If you can, eat a larger meal before your flight so that you don't have to eat the entire meal that is served to feel full.

When driving or taking a bus or metro, you may be tempted to stop at fast food restaurants and eat the foods found there. Avoid this whenever possible. If you're on vacation, you may want to splurge a little bit, but having fast food more than once during a week can really be bad for your health. If you must, choose the healthiest options available, like chicken breasts and herbal tea.

Also remember that you can take your own meals when vacationing. Carrying a loaf of whole wheat bread or pita wraps, some lean turkey, and low fat cheese in a cooler is a great way to avoid high fat and high cholesterol junk food meals. These are much better choices and you'll save a lot of money as well. Call ahead to be sure there will be a refrigerator in your hotel room.

Lastly, make smart choices when you eat out. If you choose salads or pasta, get the dressing on the side and ask about low-carb options. In fact, many places print these dieting options directly in the menu for the health conscious people. To control your portions order lunch menu sizes or split the meal in half and get a take-out bag, and you'll be well on your way to nutritious eating, even away from home.

Yes, eating healthy foods when on vacation can be a challenge. However, your health is worth it. When you eat wholesome foods, you will also fight illnesses that you are likely to encounter when vacationing and be more attentive so that you can enjoy your trip. So eat well, relax and have a great time!

Malaysia Travel Tips

KUALALUMPUR

For those looking for a different cultural experience, or even just a great holiday destination, then adding Malaysia to your travel list will not disappoint. A Malaysian holiday can be a relaxed resort style getaway on one of the islands such as Sabah or Langkawi, bargain shopping and sight-seeing in the capital Kuala Lumpur, or perhaps a combination of both to let you experience the diversity of this amazing country.

For first time travelers to Malaysia there are several tips that will make your holiday less stressful and infinitely more enjoyable, such as:

Check Health Warnings

Before leaving for Malaysia visit your family doctor to check health warnings for the area you intend to visit. If you intend to do any hiking or rainforest walks then you will need to start taking malaria tablets around a week before your departure. Your family doctor will be able to advise of any other precautions or medications that you need.

Airport Transfers

By far the easiest and cheapest way to get from the airport into the capital is via the KLIA Express (airport express train). The train is very modern with video screens showing points of interest and things to do in Malaysia while you enjoy a comfortable ride into Kuala Lumpur in around 35 minutes. Using a bus or taxi transfer will normally take around one hour by comparison and cost a little more. An added convenience when using the KLIA Express to connect with a departing flight is the facility to book your luggage onto your flight from the central train station in Kuala Lumpur (providing you do this at least 2.5 hours before your flight).

Taxi Fares

Always ask how much the fare will be to get to your destination before getting into the taxi. Taxi fares in Malaysia are for the most part quite reasonable however at times a naive traveler can be easy pickings, especially on a return trip from an outlying area so be sure to ask for the cost of the fare beforehand and if it seems too high then you can usually find another taxi to get a better deal. The exception to this however is during peak hours in Kuala Lumpur when you will pay more because of traffic delays. Your hotel concierge can advise you on what the busiest traffic times are likely to be. Planning your movements around the capital outside of these times will save you money if you're on a tight budget.

Don't drink the tap water

To reduce your chances of having your holiday ruined by tummy upsets it is wise not to consume the local tap water. During your stay keep these points in mind:

1) Clean your teeth and toothbrush with bottled water.

2) Remember to specify "No Ice" when ordering cocktails or mixer drinks. (Many of the more up-market resorts and hotels have ice that has been made using filtered or bottled water which is perfectly safe, however if you wish to be extra cautious then it is safer to forgo the ice).

Buy personal items from a supermarket

Make purchases of personal care items such as sunscreen, toothpaste or bottled water from a local supermarket instead of the resort or hotel where you are staying. Although the prices of these items may not seem too expensive you will normally find a supermarket or small convenience store somewhere close to the resort where these items are up to a third of the price that you will pay at the resort. Any money you save on these purchases can be used for souvenir shopping instead.

Restaurants

When you're staying in regional areas and choosing somewhere to eat keep in mind that you are no longer in a western country. Malaysia is a relatively poor country which is more evident in outlying areas than it is in the capital. While in your home country a restaurant in a run down looking building could indicate a possible health risk this is not the case in regional areas of Malaysia as many of the buildings are old because of the general poverty of the population. The best guide for choosing a restaurant is if the local people are happy eating there it is a good indication that the food is safe.

Keep valuables concealed

Always keep wallets, purses, mobile phones etc in your pockets or backpack to avoid the attention of pickpockets, especially in larger cities. Although not a major problem any large population has its share of thieving so it is best to keep your valuables secure. It is also wise to carry your backpack on the front of your body in certain areas such as the china town markets in Kuala Lumpur where it can be quite crowded giving pickpockets a chance to access valuables within the outer compartments of a backpack.

Malaysia is a great holiday destination with excellent shopping, friendly people, wonderful scenery, and delicious food and by following these simple tips you'll have such a memorable time you'll want to return again and again.

Travel to Fiji is Safe and Fascinating

Some people may be reluctant to travel to Fiji because of what they perceive may be political instability in this South Pacific island nation. True, the Fiji Islands seem to have a history of frequent government takeovers by the military. But these army takeovers are far less dramatic than the words suggest, and violence is rare.

A journalist who visited Fiji in the autumn of 2000, about a month after a military takeover had occurred, reported that life on the tropical island paradise appeared not only safe and calm but peaceful and idyllic. Much more recently, another military takeover happened in the winter of 2006, during which time the CBS television series "Survivor" was being filmed in Fiji. There were no interruptions in production of the TV show, which was completed on schedule and without incident.

Fiji is not just one island, but a group of more than 300 islands, and one of the primary industries that supports the economy of Fiji is tourism. All Fiji islanders realize that, without a constant supply of visiting tourists, from Europe and Australia as well as the USA, their economy would be in trouble. That is why, even when the government is toppled by the army, everything seems to be done in a polite, civilized manner so as not to disturb the tourists.

In addition to being a spectacular destination for adventure sports such as SCUBA and snorkel diving, fishing, mountain biking and boating, Fiji is also known as a popular place to have a romantic vacation. Many resorts go out of their way to hold spectacular wedding ceremonies, while most accommodations have facilities to accommodate honeymooners.

Lovers of nature can enjoy bird watching in Fiji's several national parks and wildlife preserves. Many colorful species of parrots can be observed, as well as varieties of hawk, falcon, a rare dove, and the flying fox fruit bat.

Another less well known but equally fascinating aspect of visiting Fiji is the native culture. The people are some of the friendliest on earth, and are eager to share their colorful ceremonies as well as myths and legends with visitors who show an interest.

Fiji's offshore islands are particularly rich with lore and legends. On one island a story is told about the sacred prawns that may be observed by the hundreds when the tide is high. It is said that anyone who eats one of these sacred prawns will become the victim of a shipwreck when they sail away from the island.

Such colorful native legends, along with exceedingly friendly people, immaculate sandy beaches and miles of clear blue ocean combine to make Fiji a highly recommended vacation destination.

Travel: Misconceptions About Cruise Ships you have Heard

For the best Cruise Travel Deals

For many people, a cruise is the best type of travel anyone can take. On the other hand, there are still people who think that to go on a cruise would be no fun at all and a terrible waste of their travel funds. What are some of the reasons people give for not wanting to go on a cruise?

One of the most common reasons people give for not wanting to go on a cruise is they believe it would be boring. In reality, a cruise ship offers tons of activities that appeal to all kind of people: dancing, eating, live entertainment, sun bathing, gambling, swimming, parties and socializing, sports, movies, and did I mention eating?

There is the mistaken belief that people who go on a cruise become seasick. That may have been true 30 years ago but not now. The new cruise ships spend a lot of money on equipment and technology to stabilize the ship. Also, almost all of the cruises do not go into deep ocean water where the surf is the roughest. Most of the cruises, hug the coastline where the sea is fairly calm. Ask someone who has been on a cruise in the past three years and I doubt you will find anyone who has gotten seasick.

Once you realize that there is no way you could get bored and almost zero chance of getting seasick, the thought of taking a cruise make them think that the only kind of people who take cruises are old. Again, this is just not accurate. Today's younger people have the spending money and like all the activities that cruise ships offer. The younger folks realize that the types of people who go on cruises are fun loving and good to be around. There is an excellent chance that you will meet many wonderful, like-minded people on a cruise ship.

The last reason people offer for not taking a cruise is they would feel cramped being on a small ship and sleeping in a small cabin. The people who mention this objection have not been on a cruise ship. First of all, the cruise ships today are huge with many levels and lots of elbowroom. Second, while the cabin is not a presidential suite at a four star hotel, it is not closet-sized either. Considering the fact that the only time you spend in your stateroom is to sleep and to change clothes for your next fun activity, the size of the room is not an issue.

Instead of looking for excuses to avoid going on a cruise, spend some time looking for a good deal on a cruise ship going to a place you would like to visit.

A Whale Watching Day in Monterey Bay

While staying or playing in California's Monterey Bay area, how about taking a Whale Watching tour? Monterey Bay is situated near the mid-section of California's coastline. The bay not only has a shallow shelf by the shore, it also has an enormous and deep submarine canyon. These extremes in habitats permit a large variety of marine creatures to dwell there. By taking a whale watching tour, you may be able to see some of the marine life listed below which varies depending on the time of the year that you go.

Marine Life of Monterey Bay:

Whales - There are Blue, Gray, Minke, Fin, Humpback, Beaked and Sperm Whales.

Dolphins and Porpoises - There are the Common, Bottlenose, Pacific White-sided, Risso's, Orca (Killer Whale) and Northern Right Whale Dolphins. Also, the Dall's and Harbor Porpoises.

Pinnipeds - There are the Stellar and California Sea Lions. Also, the Northern Fur, Pacific Harbor and Northern Elephant Seals.

Sea Otters - Southern Sea Otter

Sea Turtles - Leatherback Sea Turtle

Sea Birds - There are Pelicans, Loons, Terns, Black-footed Albatross and Gulls.

There are several tour companies operating in the bay. Besides price, check with each one to see what their particular whale watching tour offers. Ask what time or times of day they go out. Which type and size of vessel will you be on? Does it have indoor and outdoor seating and heated cabins? Are there ample life jackets? Does it have a live or taped narrated tour? Will there be a marine biologist or naturalist on board to identify animals and answer questions? Can you bring snacks and beverages or are there some available on the boat? Inquire about the length of the trip because tours can range anywhere from two to four hours. Find out about their cancellation policy. Will they cancel for poor weather conditions or under booked tours?

To insure that your outing is a pleasant and comfortable trip it is important to do a little preparation. Before your excursion, it is a good idea to purchase your tickets. This way you can book the day and time that you want and not have to worry about getting there and the trip being sold out. Also be certain to arrive at least a half of an hour before departure so you will have enough time to check in.

Since out on the ocean it can be breezy and chilly no matter what time of the year, be sure to put on warm garments in several layers. It is recommended that you dress in long pants and wear flat closed-toed shoes with rubber soles. A wind and waterproof jacket or light raincoat, hat and gloves for the outermost layer is best should it start to rain. If it gets hot later on, you can always remove a layer. For additional weather protection, remember to bring your sunscreen lotion, lip balm, seasick medication and sunglasses. You may also wish to bring a camera, video camera or binoculars for extra enjoyment.

While there is no guarantee that you will see any whales, the captain and crew with all their experience and knowledge, will do their best to find them. Should your boat be lucky enough to locate a whale, please realize that you are not allowed to attempt to touch it or any other animal. This is for the animal's safety as well as yours. Whether or not you see a whale, you surely will view some of the wonderful marine life that makes their home in the bay or just visits at certain seasons of the year. So make plans for an unforgettable day out at sea and have a whale of a time!

Good Family Fun in Vegas

If you are looking for some fun things to do in Las Vegas with or without the family, this should keep you busy for the better part of your travels. Keep in mind that Vegas is a city about lights and action most of the attractions will have on or other if not both of these elements. Enjoy the bright lights of this big city and have as much fun as you can possibly muster during your stay.

The High Roller at the Stratosphere Hotel is a roller coaster, which at 909 feet above ground is the world's highest (keep in mind that competition is fierce among coaster makers and that is subject to change). This roller coaster consists of more than 800 feet of track and offers some sharply banking turns at around 32 miles an hour for your coaster fun and enjoyment. The cost for one trip on this coaster is $5 and passes may be purchased for the day (height restrictions apply).

The Nevada Zoological and Botanical Park is another great way to spend the day. While this is by no means the world's largest zoo it is a nice place to take your kids and visit the wildlife (well some wildlife that isn't located on the strip at any rate) of Las Vegas. Some of the animals you might see include chimpanzees (usually a hit with the little ones), emus, ostriches, wallabies, and flamingos. You can also choose to take a full or half day eco tour of the desert. These tours give you the opportunity to learn to the view the desert a little bit differently and are a great educational experience disguised as fun for your children.

What would a stay at the Venetian Hotel and Casino be without a gondola ride? You do not however have to stay at the Venetian in order to experience this pleasure, nor do you have to venture a transatlantic flight. For an authentic gondola experience you only need to travel as far as the Venetian Hotel and Casino. You will float under bridges as your gondolier serenades you with the sounds of Venice. You can choose and outdoor gondola ride when the weather permits. The outdoor rides are only marginally less expensive and are still quite nice (they might even be preferable on a chilly desert night). Children 12 and under are very inexpensive passengers and if you are traveling with your partner you can opt for a romantic 2 passenger gondola for an added fee. Reservations must be made in person and can only be made the same day beginning at 9 a.m. for the indoor gondola ride and 10 a.m. for the outdoor ride.

If you're old enough to remember the commercials that asked if it was live or it was Memorex then you will understand that reference when it comes to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. Where else can you play a round of golf with Tiger, sail the seas with Captain Jack Sparrow, marry George Clooney, become a playboy bunny, and sing along side The King? You will see some of Hollywood's brightest stars both living and living memories at Madame Tussauds have fun meeting your favorites. This is a must see stop on your trip to Vegas and will have the entire family rolling with laughter, be sure to bring the camera along for this one.

Vegas might have been a little slow to see the light, but this city is really working to make this a fun place to be for the entire family and it is slowly building a nice selection of activities that don't directly involve gambling or the casinos. The casinos, recognizing good business sense when they see it have been the pioneers of many of these family oriented activities in hopes of encouraging more guests to come back to the city. Be sure to check out all the wonderfully fun things there are to do with the family during your Vegas stay.

A Guide to Traveling with Your Pet

Have you wanted to visit friends or relatives, or perhaps hike the trails at a scenic park? Did concerns over leaving your pet behind prevent you from going? Traveling with your pet is easier than you think.

Air travel with pets falls into two categories, in-cabin and cargo. In-cabin pets must be small enough to fit into a carrier that will slide under the seat in front of you. Pets too large to fit comfortably in a carrier must travel in cargo. Cargo holds are heated, cooled and pressurized, just like the passenger compartment.

Before you make a reservation, be sure the airline will accommodate your pet. Some airlines do not take pets in-cabin; some discount airlines don't accept pets at all. So if you purchase your airline tickets through the Internet, make sure your pet will be able to travel with you.

Pet passengers require a reservation, whether traveling in-cabin or cargo. Airlines have restrictions on the number of pets they will carry in order to provide safe travel for all. So making your pet's reservation at the same time you purchase your ticket is a good idea. Extra charges for both in-cabin and cargo pets will be assessed.

Purchase a health certificate from your veterinarian. Health certificates are only good for ten days, so if your visit will be longer than that you will have to purchase another health certificate for the return trip.

Your in-cabin pet will need a carrier. These soft-sided carriers come in several sizes, so buy or borrow one that allows your pet plenty of room. Some of these can be bought with wheels to make transport through the airport easier; these also reduce "pet space" under the airplane seat. Window and middle seats have more room underneath than aisle seats due to the seat configurations.

Pets traveling in cargo will need an airline-approved kennel. Generally, these are hard-sided, non-collapsible crates. If your pet already has a sturdy crate it may double as a shipping kennel, but do make sure it is airline approved.

Most experts do not recommend tranquilizing your pet. The motion of the airplane seems to have a soporific effect, causing pets (and people) to snooze. Once in the air you'll find that your pet will probably sleep. A word about training is appropriate here. Crate training your pet will make him/her a better traveler. There are many resources available that will show you how to accomplish this. Time spent training will definitely pay off.

Don't hesitate to join the legion of folks who travel with their pets. With a little preparation can be safe, simple and rewarding.